Greece is moving ahead with the acquisition of three Embraer KC-390 Millennium multi-mission military transport aircraft, with an option to purchase three more, in a move aimed at strengthening the Hellenic Air Force’s airlift and aerial refueling capabilities.

The relevant defense ministry signed a contract on Monday under an intergovernmental agreement between Greece and Portugal. The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2027.

The procurement is part of the Greek armed forces’ broader military modernization program, which includes upgrades to combat aircraft, the acquisition of advanced weapons systems and efforts to strengthen the operational capabilities of all branches of the armed forces.

Strengthening airlift and aerial refueling

The KC-390 Millennium will expand the Hellenic Air Force’s capacity to transport personnel, vehicles and military equipment while providing additional flexibility for aerial refueling operations.

The aircraft can be configured as a tanker to refuel other aircraft in flight or equipped to receive fuel from another tanker, extending its operational range and flexibility.

The acquisition will also strengthen interoperability with NATO forces and other allied militaries. Greece is expected to benefit from European cooperation networks established around the aircraft, including arrangements covering training, technical support and logistics.

Greece becomes the seventh European country to select the KC-390, following Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic and Sweden.

The aircraft has also been selected by the manufacturer’s base, Brazil, along with South Korea, Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates and Colombia.

Bosco Da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, said Greece’s selection reflected the confidence NATO member states place in the aircraft. He highlighted its performance, reliability and cost-effectiveness as factors making it an attractive option for countries seeking to enhance their military capabilities.

Part of a broader military modernization drive

The acquisition follows Athens’ efforts to modernize its military transport fleet and expand its capacity to support operations both within the country and abroad.

The Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) has approved a series of procurement programs, including the acquisition of three KC-390 aircraft, as part of a wider effort to upgrade the armed forces. The first delivery is scheduled for 2027.

The aircraft are intended to strengthen a transport fleet that includes aging C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-27J Spartan tactical transports. The additional capacity is expected to improve the Air Force’s ability to move personnel and equipment, support military deployments and conduct humanitarian and emergency missions.

The procurement also complements a wider modernization plan, which include the upgrade of F-16 fighter jets to the Viper configuration, the planned acquisition of F-35 fighters and the development of the multilevel “Achilles Shield” air defense system.

Athens has also emphasized the importance of expanding domestic participation in defense production and improving cooperation with European and other allied partners.

What the KC-390 Millennium can do

The KC-390 Millennium is a twin-engine military transport aircraft designed to perform a range of missions using modern digital flight, communications and mission-management systems.

Its principal capabilities are billed as:

• A cargo capacity of up to 26 metric tons.
• Speed: A maximum cruising speed of approximately 470 knots, or 870 kilometers per hour.
• Military transport: Movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment.
• Aerial delivery: Paratroop operations and the airborne delivery of cargo.
• Medical evacuation: Transport of patients and casualties.
• Search and rescue: Support for rescue operations.
• Firefighting and humanitarian assistance: Adaptation for emergency response and disaster relief.
• Operations from unpaved runways: Ability to operate from suitable temporary or unprepared airstrips.